Unrestrained Excess

The ulama (scholars) of the past, in their search for knowledge and in order to progress and become close to Allah سبحانه وتعالى, sacrificed a lot. This is the reason why they were humble and simple, but nowadays many of us are spoilt and pampered and we complain if do not get what we want. Many ulama of tazkiyah have said that a person experiences spiritual heights if he remains hungry and in poverty, whereas he can never experience these with a full stomach and with all his needs fulfilled. Hunger and poverty automatically bring out the lofty qualities of humbleness and reliance upon Allah سبحانه وتعالى . This is the reason why many poor people live a life of mental and emotional luxury as well as spirituality. Much of the misbehaviour, rebellious attitude and arrogance nowadays are due to living a life of unrestrained excess. In order to reach spiritual heights such a person will have to sacrifice a lot, whereas with hunger and poverty spirituality comes more readily.

[This short excerpt is based on a brothers’ majlis (gathering for spiritual training) held by Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq on 18th August 1999 and 21st August 1999].

View Also

Race Against 7 Things

An excerpt from the talk, ‘Capitalise on 5 before 5‘ Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on …